Click below for a few closing thoughts before I exit the Jordan-Hare Stadium press box. As always, check out our outstanding college football coverage in tomorrow's editions of the Press-Register and Huntsville Times.

OFFENSE

The first game, apparently, was not a fluke. Say what you will about the strength or weakness of Mississippi State, but running up 589 yards and 49 points on an SEC defense is no small feat.

The Tigers did most of their damage on the ground, effectively mixing Ben Tate, Onterio McCalebb and Mario Fannin. The passing game was a bit shakier. Chris Todd didn't throw any interceptions, but he came close to danger too many times. He can't count on that good luck to continue.

Credit offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn with seamlessly integrating Kodi Burns' strengths into the offense in a matter of weeks. Burns provides a real threat as Wildcat quarterback, and gives the Tigers an added weapon near the goal line.

DEFENSE

Auburn's defense looked well prepared for what was a largely unknown Mississippi State offense. MSU running back Anthony Dixon had a solid game, but had only one lengthy run and no back-breakers.

The Tigers surrendered one lengthy drive in the second quarter, but also had enough three-and-out stops to allow Auburn's offense to get back on the field and wear out the MSU defense.

Coaches slowly eased linebacker Eltoro Freeman into action in his first college game, demonstrating that they have confidence in the play of sophomore reserve Adam Herring. Senior defensive end Antonio Coleman had another big game, including an interception returned for a touchdown.

SPECIAL TEAMS

This unit needs some work.

Mississippi State scored a touchdown on a blocked punt on what could have been a game-changing play. Punter Clinton Durst didn't seem to have a chance to get the kick away before he was mauled by Bulldogs. A breakdown happened somewhere that needs to be corrected.

The Tigers also escaped a potentially huge gaffe when they muffed a punt for the second game in a row. Mario Fannin had the drop in the opener, while Demond Washington muffed one in Game 2. Auburn recovered the ball both times, but had little success returning the ball overall.

The punt team redeemed itself in the third quarter with a flawlessly executed fake punt, but the offense failed to convert the first down into points.

BIG PICTURE

The Tigers are 2-0, exactly where they were last year and exactly where virtually everyone predicted they would be this season.

That's not the the surprise.

The surprise is the ease with which Auburn's offense has chewed up yardage against its first two opponents. After 2008, Auburn fans have been conditioned to expect growing pains as the new offense is installed. So far, there have been none. Much of the credit rests with the offensive line, which has allowed the Tigers to mount a ground game that makes up for weaknesses in the passing game. Malzahn promised a physical, relentless offensive attack built around Auburn's strengths. So far he has delivered.

If Auburn can stay healthy and improve in the other phases of the game, expectations for this season could rise dramatically.